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People Quote by Erik Larson

“The Lusitania is important, of course, because this is where Germany began its maritime campaign using this brand-new weapon. We have to appreciate how the submarine, as a weapon against civilian shipping, was a particularly novel thing - so novel that many people at the time dismissed its…” quote by Erik Larson
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“The Lusitania is important, of course, because this is where Germany began its maritime campaign using this brand-new weapon. We have to appreciate how the submarine, as a weapon against civilian shipping, was a particularly novel thing - so novel that many people at the time dismissed its potential power, its potential relevance.”

Erik Larson

About This Quote

Source Book: The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson, 2020

The passage highlights the novelty of submarine warfare and early skepticism about its impact.

In simple terms: Submarines were a new, underestimated weapon.

Key Takeaway

Question new technologies critically.

Themes

innovation warfare skepticism

Mood

analytical historical

Type

expository educational

When to use this quote

  • World War I naval strategy
  • policy debates
  • public perception

Key Concepts

Military history technology adoption

Questions to Reflect On

  • What factors cause underestimation of new weapons?
  • How can societies adapt faster?
A Different Perspective

Skepticism can delay response.

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